MA Anthropology
- MA
Overview
The MA in Anthropology will help you develop a nuanced and cross-cultural perspective on the challenges facing humanity in a fast-changing world. You will engage with cutting-edge research on what it means to be human, gaining new perspectives on global issues and developing transferable skills that support your future career.
You will receive advanced training in anthropological theory and methods through research-led teaching. Core modules demonstrate how anthropological perspectives can reshape our understanding of topics at the forefront of public debate. We examine issues such as migration, AI, debates around gender, global poverty and international law, drawing on ethnographic research grounded in everyday lived experience. You will also receive rigorous training in anthropological research design and data analysis using qualitative and mixed methods. This includes ethnographic and visual approaches, interview and focus-group design, participatory research, and research ethics.
A core feature of the programme is an integrated work placement, enabling you to enhance your employability and apply anthropological thinking in real-world settings. You will collaborate with organisations across Bristol's thriving creative, cultural and social sectors, gaining hands-on experience while developing professional networks. The flexible programme also offers the choice between research-based and placement-based final dissertation projects, allowing you to integrate your independent research directly with your professional experience.
This MA enhances your transferable skills and employability by combining advanced research training with structured professional experience. Graduates leave with both a substantial research project, which may be placement-based, and hands-on professional experience.
Programme structure
Three mandatory taught units provide advanced anthropological training in theory, method and professional practice.
Anthropological Theory and Practice provides a rigorous foundation in anthropological theories. It ethnographic contributions to pressing contemporary social, political and environmental debates. You will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnected world we live in and refine your analytical voice, learning how anthropological approaches offer practical solutions to real-world problems.
Research Methods in Anthropology introduces anthropological research design and data analysis. Sessions cover ethnographic, reflexive and visual approaches, as well as survey, interview and focus-group design.
In addition, all students undertake the Work Placement in Anthropology module, providing structured professional experience with an external organisation. This placement supports the development of applied research skills and professional competencies.
You will also complete an independent dissertation, with the option to follow either a research pathway, allowing advanced application of anthropological research methods, or a placement-based pathway, allowing you to develop a final project grounded in your placement experience.
Optional units allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and may vary each year. These units highlight social and cultural diversity across human societies and complement the core training and placement experience.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Anthropology.
Entry requirements
You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in an arts, humanities or social sciences discipline.
Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £14,500 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,250 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £32,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Anthropologists are in demand in a transforming economy and workplace culture because we have a deeper understanding of human practices and cultural connections - a perspective hugely important for a sustainable future. Anthropologists are highly sought after in public and private sectors, including governmental bodies or NGOs like Action Aid and Oxfam.
You could go on to work in academia as a lecturer or researcher with postgraduate studies, or find opportunities as a corporate anthropologist in local and international businesses that value research and analytical skills. You could also explore broader career prospects in diverse fields such as policy, advocacy, heritage, health or the creative industries, capitalising on your planning, research and managerial skills and capacities.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools
- Departments